Dispenser with surface mounted holding system

ABSTRACT

A mounting system comprising a mount, wherein the mount has a first surface and a second surface, a shaft having a first end and a second end protruding from a predetermined location of the second surface and attached to the second surface at the first end, and a cap attached to the second end of the shaft, wherein the cap has a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the shaft, and a dispenser having a first end, a second end, wherein a channel extends distal to the first end and terminates a predetermined distance from the second end, where at the first end of the channel has a width which is greater than the diameter of the cap and converges to a width which is less than the diameter of the cap and has a depth which is capable of receiving the cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser holding system, and more particularly to a wall mounted system for holding a dispenser, wherein the dispenser has the securing means integrated within the design of the dispenser.

In general wall-mounted dispensers for materials of this type include a back plate and cover which is capable of being opened to permit the dispenser to receive replacement liquid or cartridges or refill packages with the dispenser being a more permanent installation. This becomes problematic if the dispenser becomes damaged or parts are broken. The entire dispenser needs to be replaced or fixed. While dispensing arrangements of this type have proved generally satisfactory, it is believed that certain improvements can be made thereto.

For example, when using the shower, people tend to desire to have all of their products conveniently located for easy access as well as located in a secure location. Many people tend to place their products on the ground or on the edge of the bathtub or shower stall. This creates several different problems. First, placing the dispensers on the ground can be a tripping hazard by both the dispenser and any liquid that gets on the ground from the dispenser. Many people solve this by placing the dispenser on the edge of the bathtub, shelves in the shower, or showerhead hanging racks. However, many times these locations are not large enough to safely and securely hold all of the person's products. The shower racks may be unsightly and tend to rust or discolor over time or are just not large enough to fit all the products.

It is desired to have a method to store dispensers in both an easy, convenient, secure, adjustable way, and using a universal mounting system for all the person's products, so they can easily store their products where is best for them. The ability to easily secure the dispenser on the wall and remove, creates an easier and more user-friendly process of storing the dispenser. For persons with or without a disability, the present invention provides an advantage over the current design.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a mounting system comprising, a mount, wherein the mount has a first surface and a second surface, wherein a securing means is secured to the first surface and a shaft having a first end and a second end protruding from a predetermined location of the second surface and attached to the second surface at the first end, and a cap attached to the second end of the shaft, wherein the cap has a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the shaft; and a dispenser having a first end and a second end, wherein a channel extends distal to the first end and terminates a predetermined distance from the second end, where the first end of the channel has a width which is greater than the diameter of the cap and converges to a width which is less than the diameter of the cap and has a depth which is capable of receiving the cap.

In a second embodiment, a dispenser mounting system comprising, a mount, wherein the mount has a first surface and a second surface, a capped shaft is secured to a predetermined location on the first surface and a reusable securing means attached to the second surface, wherein the shaft has a predetermined diameter and length and the capped end of the shaft has a diameter which is greater than that of the shaft, and a dispenser having a first end and a second end, wherein a channel extends from distal the first end and terminates a predetermined distance from the second end, where the first end of the channel has a first width and a first height and the second end of the channel has a second width and a second height, wherein from channel reduces in height and width from the first end to the second end but is still able to receive the capped shaft of the mount.

In a third embodiment, a dispenser mounting system comprising, a dispenser having a securing means secured to an exterior surface of the dispenser, wherein the securing means is comprised of a shaft having a predetermined length and diameter, and a cap secured to the end of the shaft, and wherein the cap has a diameter which is greater than that of the shaft and a predetermined thickness and a fixture, wherein the fixture has a first end and a second end, wherein a channel extends from the first end to the second end, and where the first end of the channel has a first width and converges to a second width and a first height at the first end of the channel and reduces to a second height at the second end of the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a dispenser and a mounting system assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the dispenser and the mounting system unassembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of the dispenser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of the dispenser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A depicts an isometric view of the mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B depicts another isometric view of the mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts another isometric view of an alternative assembly of the dispenser and the mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts another isometric view of an alternative assembly of the dispenser and the mounting system disassembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system that allows a person to easily mount a dispenser to a wall or surface. The dispenser has an integrated securing design for easy mounting of the dispenser. The integrated securing portion of the dispenser is universal across various dispensers to reduce the need to constantly replace or change either the dispensers or the mounting assembly. The system provides the advantage of allowing a person to easily mount and dismount a dispenser where it is most ergonomic for them and allow them easily to readjust or change this location.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a dispenser 100 and a mounting system 200 (e.g. the mounting system may be a fixture, support, unit, or the like) assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser 100 is shown secured to the mounting system 200 when attach to a surface. The dispenser 100 may be various containers, bottles, dispensers, or other vessels which can have the integrated securement design. This may be, but not limited to soap dispensers, shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, body wash containers, cleaning product containers, water bottles, or the like. The dispenser 100 may be made from various materials, have various shapes and sizes, or may have various openings. In the depicted embodiments, the dispenser 100 has a top 101. Currently manufactured or designed dispensers may be redesigned with the integrated securing mechanism to mate with the mounting assembly 200. The dispenser 100 may be made from, but not limited to polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, poly carbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acrylics, aluminum, steel, cooper, various other metals, a combination of plastics and metals, or the like.

The mounting system 200 is designed to securely attached to a surface and provide the mounting location for the dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the mounting system 200 may be permanently attached to a surface through various permanent attachment means known to one skilled in the art. In additional embodiments, the mounting system 200 may be detachably secured to a surface, through, but not limited to, adhesive pads, suction cups, hook and loop fasteners, removable fasteners, or other detachable securing mechanism know to one skilled in the art. The mounting system 200 may have various shapes, sizes, and attachment members (not shown). For example, in the depicted embodiment, the mounting assembly 200 has one attachment point for one dispenser 100. The mounting system 200 may have more than one attachment points in a vertical or horizontal orientation to allow for the mounting of multiple dispensers 100. In some embodiments more than one dispenser 100 are able to be hung on the mounting system 200, or more than one detachable securing mechanism may be integrated into the mounting system 200 This may require additional suction cups, more fasteners, or increased quantities of adhesive materials.

The mounting system 200 may be made from, but not limited to polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, poly carbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acrylics, aluminum, steel, cooper, various other metals, a combination of plastics and metals, or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the dispenser 100 and the mounting system 200 unassembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the mounting system 200 incorporated a shaft 201 with a cap 202. The shaft 201 is designed to provide adequate offset from a mounting plate 203 for cap 202, so that when inserted into a channel 103 on the dispensers 100 the cap 202 fits within the internal compartment of the channel 103, and the shaft 201 fits within the gap 107 of the channel 103. The cap 202 is able to fit within the internal compartment of the channel 103. The channel 103 may have a “C” channel design with a lip to secure the cap 202 within the internal compartment. The length of the shaft 201 is dependent upon the measurements of the channel 103, and the diameter and thickness of the cap 202 are dependent upon the measurements of the channel 103. The cap 202 is designed to fit within the channel 103 with minimal excess space within the channel 103 when the cap 202 is inserted. The dispenser 100 has a channel 103 which is designed to improve the ease with which one can guide the cap 202 into the channel 103. In the depicted embodiment, the dispenser 100 has one channel 103. In additional embodiments, the dispenser 100 may have multiple channels 103. Where additional channels 103 are present on the dispenser 100, this allows the person to mount the dispenser 100 in multiple positions or directions. For example, to get the last quantity of liquid from within the dispenser 100, a channel 103 may be orientated to allow the dispenser 100 to be mounted with the top end facing downwards. The channel 103 may be at various angles. The mounting system 200 is depicted with one shaft 201 and cap 202. In additional embodiments, the mounting system 200 may have multiple shafts 201 and caps 202 to accommodate multiple dispensers 100, in predetermined patterns, rows, columns, and arrays.

In additional embodiments, the cap 202 may have multiple shapes. In one example, the cap 202 has an oblong shape to allow for a greater holding ability and provides additional support to reduce the rotation of the dispenser 100. Wherein the oblong or elliptic shaped cap 202 is orientated wherein the longer dimension is orientated vertically. In some embodiments, the cap 202 has a height to width ratio ranging from 1.2 to 1 to 1.9 to 1. The cap 202, may have rounded edges to further reduce friction between the cap 202 and the interior surfaces of the channel 103.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of the dispenser 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser 100 has a channel 103 integrated into the design of the dispenser 100. This integration of the channel 103 reduces the number of components needed to mount the dispenser 100 and is designed to minimize the amount of volume of the dispenser which is lost. The channel 103 is designed with a larger initial opening 104. In one embodiment, the width at the opening 104 of the channel 103 is three times the final width of the channel 103. Through a first portion of the channel 103 from the opening 104, the width of the channel 103 decreases through a predetermined distance of the channel 103. At transition location 105, the channel 103 reaches the minimum width and remains that width until the termination of the channel at the top end 106. This assists in reducing the ability of the cap 202 to become disengaged from the channel 103 after the transition location 105 of the channel 103. In the depicted embodiment, the width of the channel 103 from transition location 105 till the top end 106 is greater than the diameter of the shaft 201 but less than the diameter of the cap 202. In some embodiments, distal to the top end 106 of the channel 103, is an integrated stopper. This stopper may be, but not limited to, indented within the channel to “lock” the cap 202 in place. Various types of pressure fitments, or snap locks may be employed in this locking mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism requires minimal resistance to unlock. The locking mechanism assists in keeping the dispenser 100 in place when secured to the wall mount 200. In some embodiments, depending upon the shape of the cap 202, the dispenser 100 may be able to rotate about the cap 202 to allow for easy extraction of the contents of the dispenser, if the dispenser 100 has an opening similar to that in FIG. 1. The larger opening 104 provides a larger “target area” for the person to align the dispenser 100 with the mounting system 200. For example, when in the shower or bathtub, many surfaces may be wet or slippery and the dispenser 100 is more likely to slip and fall. With the wider opening 104, the person is provided with a larger area to properly align the dispenser 100 with the cap 202.

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of the dispenser 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the dispenser 100 is shown through the channel 103. In the depicted embodiment, the channel 103 is shown recessed into the dispenser 100. The surface 102 of the dispenser 100 is flush with the gap 107 and the channel 103 is below the surface 102. In some embodiments, the opening 104 has a depth which is increase as the channel 103 progresses towards the transition location 105 and remains consistent until the top end 106. In some embodiments, the channel 103 is parallel with the surface 102 from the opening 104 to the top end 106. In the depicted embodiment, the channel 103 at the opening 104 is angled until transition location 105 where the channel 103 and the surface 102 are substantially parallel. In additional embodiments, the channel 103 has a predetermined curvature. In some embodiments, as the channel 103 progresses towards the top end 106, the height of the channel 103 decreases until transition location 105, where after the height of the channel 103 remains constant. In some embodiments, the slope is linear profile. The top end 106, is curved to match the contour of the cap 202. At the transition location 105, the channel 103 converges to a height which is able to receive the cap 202 This reduces the dispensers 100 ability to become disconnected from the mounting system 200 or rotate about the center point of the cap 202. The length of the channel 103 is based upon the type and size of the dispenser 100.

In one embodiment, the initial depth of the channel 103 is greater than at least twice the height of the cap 202. The channel 103 depth then converges to a depth of at least the height of the cap 202. In some embodiments, the top end 106 of the channel 103 is positioned distal to the cap 101 of the dispenser 100. This assists in balancing the dispenser 100 on the mount and lowers the center of gravity of the dispenser 100 to reduce the likelihood of the offset weight forcing the mounting system 200 from detaching from the surface.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depicts an isometric view of the mounting system 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, an adhesive pad 204 covers a portion of the rear surface 207. The shaft 201 is positioned on the front surface 205, so that when the dispenser 100 is secured to the mounting system 200, the mounting plate 203 is hidden behind the dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the shaft 201 and cap 202 are telescopic, and are able to retract and extend from a “storage” position to a “use” position (shown). In the depicted embodiment, the mount base 203 is an oval shape, this assists in hiding the mounting system 200 behind the dispenser 100 when in use. In additional embodiments, the mount base 203 may be a variety of shapes.

In some embodiments, more than one shaft 201 is present on the front surface 205. In some embodiments, the shafts 201 are spaced a predetermined distance from one another to allow for dispensers 100 of predetermined size and width to connect with the mount and without coming in contact with one another. In additional embodiments, more than two shafts 201 may be present and may have, but not limited to, a linear or circular pattern and may further be present in an array.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict an alternative design of dispenser 300 and mounting system 400. The dispenser 300 has the shaft 303 and the cap 302 attached to the surface 304 of the dispenser 300. The mounting system 400 has the channel 401 secured to the mounting plate 403. As explained before, the cap 302 is designed to fit within the channel 401. In some embodiments, the shaft 303 is telescopic. When the shaft 303 is compressed, the cap 302 aligns with the surface 304 and the cap 302 is flush with the surface 304. In a preferred embodiment, the channel 401 would be orientated so that the opening of the channel 401 is located at the top end of the mounting plate 403 and the end of the channel would be on the bottom. This would provide a similar advantage of allowing a person to easily secure the dispenser 300 on the mounting system 400. In some embodiments, the channel 401 and the mounting plate 403 are a unitary element to create an aesthetically pleasing and simplified design. The cap 302 and the shaft 303 may be telescopic or retractable, so that when not in use the dispenser 300 appears as a regular dispenser and may be easily transformed to mount on the wall. In additional embodiments, the cap 302 may have various shapes and sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the cap 302 is an oblong circular shape.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser mounting system comprising: a mount, wherein the mount has a first surface and a second surface, wherein a securing means is secured to the first surface, and the securing means comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end, and the shaft is affixed to the second surface at the first end, and a cap attached to the second end of the shaft, wherein the cap has a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the shaft; and a dispenser having a first end and a second end, wherein a channel extends distal to the first end and terminates a predetermined distance from the second end, where at the first end of the channel has a first width which is greater than the diameter of the cap and a first height which is greater than the thickness of the cap and converges to a second width which is less than the first width and a second height which is less than the first height, and capable of receiving the cap.
 2. The dispenser mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mount has a rectangular shape.
 3. The dispenser mounting system of claim 1, wherein the cap has an elliptical shape.
 4. The dispenser mounting system of claim 3, wherein the mount has a plurality of shafts with attached caps secured to the mount.
 5. The dispenser mounting system of claim 1, wherein the channel has a depth at the first end which is less than, the depth at the second end, and is able to receive the cap.
 6. The dispenser mounting system of claim 5, wherein at a predetermined distance from the first end of the channel, the depth of the channel remains continuous until the second end of the channel.
 7. The dispenser mounting system of claim 1, wherein distal to the second end of the channel, a locking mechanism is disposed to secure the cap within the channel.
 8. The dispenser mounting system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser has more than one channels.
 9. A dispenser mounting system comprising: a dispenser having a securing means secured to an exterior surface of the dispenser, wherein the securing means is comprised of a shaft having a predetermined length and diameter, and a cap secured to the end of the shaft, and wherein the cap has a diameter which is greater than that of the shaft and a predetermined thickness; and
 10. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein the fixture has a first end and a second end, wherein a channel extends from the first end to the second end, and where the first end of the channel has a first width and converges to a second width and a first height at the first end of the channel and reduces to a second height at the second end of the channel.
 11. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein the mount has a rectangular shape.
 12. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein the cap has an elliptical shape and the cap.
 13. The dispenser mounting system of claim 12, wherein the mount has a plurality of shafts with attached caps secured to the mount.
 14. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein the channel has a depth at the first end which is less than, the depth at the second end, and is able to receive the cap.
 15. The dispenser mounting system of claim 14, wherein at a predetermined distance from the first end of the channel, the depth of the channel remains continuous until the second end of the channel.
 16. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein distal to the second end of the channel, a locking mechanism is disposed to secure the cap within the channel.
 17. The dispenser mounting system of claim 9, wherein the dispenser has more than one channels.
 18. A dispenser mounting system comprising: a dispenser, wherein the dispenser has a first surface and a capped shaft is secured to a predetermined location on the first surface, wherein the shaft has a predetermined diameter and length and the cap has a diameter which is greater than that of the shaft; and a mount having a first surface, a second surface, a first end, and a second end, and a securing means disposed on the first surface and a channel attached to the second surface, wherein the channel has an opening distal to the first end and extends towards the second end where the closed end of the channel is located.
 19. The dispenser mounting system of claim 18, wherein the channel depth is substantially the same from the first end to the second end.
 20. The dispenser mounting system of claim 18, wherein the cap is sized to be received by the channel. 